one for me, two for you

{my moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

I pledge allegiance to the flag...

This year, I attended my first Tulsa Pride Parade.  It was just one part of an epic family weekend with the urban family.  It was so exciting to bring the boys along with other families to an event that celebrates diversity in such a unique way.  I want my boys to know, from a young age, that "there is room for everyone in God's love," a quote spoken every Sunday morning at a local church I've visited several times recently.  Sadly this is a truth I embraced way too late in life, and now that I have I will never let go.

As a parent I want my children to never doubt themselves, who they are, what they want, what they think, and what they can accomplish in life.  As a Christian, I know that God's love is way bigger than most religions give him credit for.  As an American, and member of the human race, I know that all people were created equal and unique and deserve equal opportunities and celebration.  It makes me think of those words emblazoned on our memories from the Declaration of Independence,

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Aidan once asked me if God was the rainbow.  I answered that people think God is a lot of different things and asked if he thought God was the rainbow.  He said, "yeah, I think that's nice," and I agreed.  The rainbow is a symbol of God's covenant with all the earth from the book of Genesis, chapter 9,

 "I am making a covenant with you and your descendants, and with the animals you brought with you -- all these birds and livestock and wild animals.  I solemnly promise never to send another flood to kill all living creatures and destroy the earth."  And God said, "I am giving you a sign as evidence of my eternal covenant with you and all living creatures.  I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and to all the earth.  When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will be seen in the clouds,  and I will remember my covenant with you and with everything that lives. Never again will there be a flood that will destroy all life.  When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth."

So, when someone walked by us selling little rainbow flags, I jumped on the opportunity to buy one for Aidan and one for Alec.  I crouched down and told them this flag means that God loves them, and that they can be whoever they want to be and do everything they want to do in life, that they are special and unique, and I love them so much and will always be proud of them.

Enjoy some pictures from our adventure!

Waitin' for the parade... Ry, is that a pirate face, or just plain margarita face?   It was HOT... Thank the good Lord Jesus for goldfish! And for Aunt Brandi bringing books along in case the kids start melting down! And Uncle Ryan!
Still waiting...Um, this picture really needs no caption, but we're thankful for alcohol too.  And straws...Luh you Jer!
Luh you Brandilicious!
Here comes the parade!  So much to see, so much to celebrate.
I had chills toward the end of the parade when there were people of all different shapes, sizes, and color carrying the massive rainbow flag!
And topped off the whole night with our kids' first concert ever.  Eric and the Adams.  They were phenomenal!! 

 
Dancin' fools!  We had so much fun.  Aidie was bustin' out all the "good moves"! Shortly after this delightful experience and epic adventure, Aidan was learning the pledge of allegiance at daycare, and would often practice and recite it to people.  Several weeks went by, and one afternoon after I picked the boys up from daycare and overheard Aidie teaching Alec the pledge in the backseat.  I looked back and realized he was holding one of our little rainbow flags, and showing his little bubba how you look at the flag and put your hand over your heart when you say the pledge.

I almost cried... That's a pledge I can get behind. 

Say it with me,

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Amen.

{my moment}

Inspired by SouleMama's {this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

 

here's mine:

Inspired...

i want to be ashley ann

and amanda soule

and tracey gaughran-perez

and bakerella

and holli b

and lil blue boo lady

and ms. single mama

and ree

and nie nie

and oh, so many others...

but for now i'll just be me. and today i'm inspired, and determined to figure out what i want and how to get it. and do ALL the things i love in the mean time!

love you.

love,

me.

Adventures in Tulsa - The Admiral Twin Drive-In

I love adventure.  I love discovering hidden treasures while running errands or catching wind of some festival or market happening around the corner.  I love knowing you don't have to travel far to find excitement and adventure.  Usually, my kids are my partners in crime (see Robots and Donuts saga, and our trips to the Philbrook), and now I get to drag the boyfriend along too! 

It's been since at least Jr. High youth group that I've been to the Drive-In.  Check out Pinball Rebel's blog about it - great pics!  I simply mentioned it to the boy and he was equally delighted about the idea.  Immediately, we began discussing what would be included in the picnic dinner, how we would arrange the truck for optimal comfort, etc. etc.

The day we had planned to go, ideally chosen for our mutual lack of offspring, had showers off and on and we were afraid our plans would be rained out.  Thankfully, it rained just enough to cool things off, and by the time we rolled in to our spot the skies were clear and the weather was perfect!

Here we go!

Comfort optimization of truck bed, accomplished by the layering of moving pads, pillows, and a quilt for chills when the sun goes down, check!

Snuggle worthy? Check!

See, clear skies, told you!!

Delightful picnic of grilled chicken, sliced sharp white cheddar cheese, grapes, strawberries, and crusty french bread with butter.  Sam Adams and Lindeman's Framboise in the cooler.

 
Yum!

Toy Story 3 (yes, we are adults who intentionally went to see a kids' movie without the kids, and it was delightful!) on the big screen!

 

Smiles all around.  What a fun, fun, and most perfect date!

Here's to adventure; it's everywhere!